Cardiff City boss Mick McCarthy says he is “worried” about facing Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The Reds sit bottom of the Championship table with one point to their name after five games, having got off the mark against bitter rivals Derby County last time out.
That form has seen boss Chris Hughton come under increasing pressure, particularly on the back of last season’s 17th placed finish.
But McCarthy fears being on the receiving end of a reaction from the Forest players at the City Ground, as they return to action after the international break.
Asked if he is surprised to see Hughton’s side where they are, he told WalesOnline: “They have had issues with covid.
“You can have a bad result and it can be followed by another one.
“They’ve not played badly and they are where they are. They’ve not become a bad team and Chris has not become a bad coach.
“I’m worried, not for Chris but for us, because all their players will be smarting.
“No one will be turning against Chris because he is a great guy.”
The fortnight’s hiatus has afforded Hughton valuable time on the training ground with his squad, as he looks to turn their form around.
And the club also completed a busy summer in the transfer market, taking their total number of new additions up to 10 last week.
McCarthy says he has some sympathy for his opposite number’s position, but will be looking to pile on further misery this weekend.
“You can feel for them from afar, but when you’re up against them you’ve got to win the game,” he said.
“Chris is experienced enough and he will have been working in the international break to ensure he gets back off to a good start.
“I remember going up to Sheffield Wednesday after beating Swansea before the international break, it affects teams differently.
“There’ll be nothing given and nothing expected from either of us.”
